An individual performance from winger Sevu Reece has seen Waikato storm into the Mitre 10 Cup Championship final, defeating Northland 48‑26 in Hamilton.
After missing his side’s Ranfurly Shield loss to Otago last week, Reece returned to the Waikato side in style, scoring four tries as his side booked their spot in next week’s Championship final.
Reece’s first try came at the end of the first half, latching onto a smart offload from Matthew Lansdown to score in the corner.
After the break though, the 21‑year old hit top gear, grabbing his second try with an athletic dive into the corner.
A smart intercept try gave Reece his hat‑trick, before latching onto a pass from first‑five Fletcher Smith to score his fourth.
Waikato will have the chance to win promotion back to the Mitre 10 Cup Premiership, facing off Otago in next week's final.
Meanwhile, Auckland will host Canterbury in the rugby premiership grand final next week after beating Wellington 38‑17 at Eden Park.
Number eight Akira Ioane scored a couple of tries and was influential throughout.
The winner will be promoted to the Premiership next season.
[Source: RNZ and TVNZ]
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